Each one of these “repelled offensives” in this supply route between isis and idlib was actually a weapons and troops transfer. ISIS sent a force into idlib to help Nusra exterminate its opposition.

Recovering this road is easy enough when the enemy doesn’t intend to hold it.

Isis has the ability to forcibly conscript 20,000 child soldiers whenever they need them. They have no respect for the lives of Syrians in their territory. Their fighters freely crossover with Nusra fighters.

Estimates of isis in Iraq and Syria ranges from 70,000 (Russian estimate) to as little as 20,000 to 25,000 fighters (CIA estimate). The CIA is probably referring to isis’s core army and does not include conscripts, and does not include thousands of intermittently loaned Nusra fighters. Isis continues to recruit thousands of new foreign fighters a year to replenish their “core” army that controls the conscripts.

Expect the Gulf to consolidate their control over idlib and greatly reduce turkey’s ability to influence the Syrian conflict. Unless turkey sends a massive relief force into idlib province (not likely) turkey well lose influence in Idlib and will have no stake in Astana.

VGA

Which groups is Turkey influencing?

Sergio González

I think Fatah Halab, FSA or Harakat Ahrar Al-Sham.

John Smith

Lets just look at some interesting facts and not put crazy numbers, just because it might suit our point of view.

An Irak Army general said that they killed 3000-3500 ISIS fighters while liberating East Mosul. Before the Mosul operation, US (CIA) estimated there were 6000-7000 ISIS fighters in Mosul. So, they might be right, don’t you agree?

Now if they defend their biggest most important city (It is believed that ISIS leader might still be in West Mosul) with only 6000-7000 fighters, that means that they might have a force of 20.000 – 25.000 active fighters. If they had 70.000+ they would put much more resistance in Mosul.

Btw, I do not consider a fighter, the wife or the small children of a militant, even if they carry a gun. They would be killed during the first hour of a real battle, if they take part in it. So no point in counting them.